America has a love affair with pizza. That goes double for the Region, and being so close to Chicago, we have strong opinions on what constitutes a good pizza. New York style or Chicago? Sweet red sauce, or salty? There are as many different opinions as there are pizza places.

When Patrick Wilkins set off to bring his favorite cuisine to Michigan City, he knew he needed a world-class chef to make his vision a reality. For that, Wilkins, a native to the Region, turned to Rick Bruggeman. Bruggeman has been with Patricks since it opened and to this day is known to serve some of the best steaks that Michigan City has to offer.

Pizza can become pretty standard after a while. Ordering traditional pepperoni, sausage, or even a supreme can get dull without finding a way to spice it up. Of course, there are the people who dip their pizza slice in ranch, those who add pineapple, or others who add hot sauce to change up the flavor, but what other ways are there to mix up the traditional?

William B’s Steakhouse features a Valentine’s Day Special Chateaubriand Dinner for Two featuring a Caesar Salad, Chicken Consommé, Sliced Filet Mignon, Fingerling Potatoes, Sautéed Brussels Sprouts, Sauce Béarnaise and Chef Rudy’s Chocolate Duet for $120 from Wednesday, February 13 through Sunday, February 17. Reservations are required.

Sheila Hazemi-Jimenez always wanted to own her own pizza place, even from the time she was a child. Since taking ownership of Tippy’s in Pulaski County in 2016, she has been able to make that dream come true, and even expand to a bigger and newer facility.

Lovers of good food and craft beer will soon have another option to choose from when visiting La Porte, thanks to the owners of Burn ‘Em Brewing who will soon be expanding their unique, eclectic style of brewing to La Porte.

Celebrate Christmas on Tuesday, December 25, with a lavish Christmas buffet at Options. The Christmas Buffet, for $26.99 plus tax, is served from 11 am - 8 pm and features traditional Christmas favorites, including sage-rubbed turkey with cranberry glaze, cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, maple-glazed ham, New York strip steaks, crab legs and more. Add one lb. crab legs for just $9.99.

Michigan City residents are quite familiar with Patrick’s Grille, thanks to their consistency in providing high quality fine dining with a casual, but upscale atmosphere. More than that, they constantly strive to be a positive force in the community that supports them, be it through “giveback events” that raise funds for local nonprofits, or participating in community programs that support organizations around Michigan City and Northwest Indiana.

One of the simplest, most effective ways they give back is through their Giveback Nights, where a chunk of the entire day’s proceeds goes to the organization. Usually the amount is 10%, and this year they hosted the event for organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Michigan City and Save the Dunes.

Celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 22, with family and friends at Options. The Thanksgiving Buffet, for $27.99 plus tax, is served from 11 am -8 pm and features traditional Thanksgiving favorites, including oven-roasted turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, prime rib, honey-glazed ham, Peking roasted duck legs, New York strip steaks and more.

At The Game, enjoy a delicious breakfast Monday through Friday from 8 am - 11 am and try the October waffle -- the Churro Waffle -- a fluffy Belgian waffle made with cinnamon sugar batter and topped with cream cheese frosting. Visit www.bluechipcasino.com to view the entire menu. Also at The Game, try the Burger of the Month — the Cheese Curd Burger — an Angus beef patty topped with batter-fried bacon, cheese curds, cheddar cheese and jalapeno aioli and served on a brioche bun for $13.50. Enjoy it with the October Beer of the Month, Yuengling Golden Pilsner.